The 2008 Aloha Music Camp at our new home at the Keauhou Beach Resort was a smashing success. Maybe it was the relief at making it through the sorrows and trials of the previous few months, maybe it was the spirit of the land at Keauhou, or maybe it was the aloha we felt from every one–kumu, campers and the staff at the hotel–but something magical happened that week.
  • Things hit the ground running starting with a killer kanikapila featuring the New York Posse and the Oklahoma Girls and never let up.
  • Every night saw two or more great jams-- mahalos to Konabob, Sonny Lim, Bradda Matt, Bolo, Don Kauli`a, Ikaika and all the other great musicians who dropped by. By the end of the week music simply enveloped the hotel.
  • We all enjoyed meeting our three scholarship students: Nathan & Halena from Hawai`i and Ceysha from Lanai. Mahalos to the Mohala Hou Foundation, Na Lei Aloha and Susie Osman for supporting this great effort.
  • The Maui Connection debuted its new lineup at the Tuesday concert: Robyn, Geri, Kevin and Kapono`ai. We're expecting a great future from you.
  • The classes were great thanks to an outstanding teaching staff and a great group of dedicated students.
  • The Open Mic was outstanding. Who knew everyone had so much talent?
  • The Beamer Family Show was a delightful tribute to our dear kupuna, Aunty Nona. Nothing like a little technical meltdown to break the ice, eh?
  • The Three Amigos. Need I say more?
  • What a treat to have camp in the rich cultural setting and lush gardens at the Keauhou. And the food was out of this world!
  • Friday night and the ho`ike came all too soon. But what a show! A hui hou.

Here are a few photos I took in between teaching & running around administering things (and a couple by Annie, too). I'll post more when I get a chance.

Me ke aloha!
Mark Kailana Nelson